Ultrasound tech certification for a career boost
For the most part, ultrasound technicians have been somewhat immune to the nation's economic challenges: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects this occupation to grow in the decade preceding 2018, much faster than growth for U.S. employment as a whole. However, these projections cannot guarantee demand. The New York Times reports that Americans battling financial distress are putting off health care, a trend that could reduce demand for ultrasound technicians overall. According to the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography and the BLS, ultrasound technician certification and credentialing can be vital to finding work and advancing in the profession.
Ultrasound tech certification may boost job security, earnings
According to the CNN Money website, some experts feel the country is facing a skills gap as much as a job crisis. Rather than investing in on-the-job training programs for entry-level workers, employers increasingly prefer to hire candidates who can hit the ground running. This is a particularly important note for ultrasound technicians who have variable education requirements nationally: A 2010 survey conducted by the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians revealed that nine out of ten hospital administrators prefer to hire certified techs.
Meanwhile, the CARE bill, which looks to standardize radiology and ultrasound technician requirements, is making its way through Congress. The American Society of Radiologic Technologists notes that the full name of the bill is "Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility and Excellence in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy." The bill seeks to provide quality assurance for patients undergoing all types of radiologic procedures, like those those who receive mammograms under the provisions of the Mammography Quality Standards Act. While the CARE Bill would not mandate certification, those who are certified should meet the new minimum training requirements through the course of certification.
Earning a certification may improve the bottom line as much as one's job outlook. According to the BLS, earnings tend to improve with education: In 2010, those with some college education or associate degrees earned more than those with high school diplomas alone. The wage gap is even more notable for those who earn bachelor's degrees. The BLS includes ultrasound techs in the 2010 data for diagnostic medical sonographers, who earned a mean annual wage of $64,900 nationwide.
Common ultrasound technician certifications
The BLS reports that there are various paths to ultrasound technician certification, and most programs require candidates to meet certain training requirements and pass an exam. The ARDMS remains one of the most popular certification providers, awarding successful candidates the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer designation. ARDMS certification hopefuls can specialize in a number of areas, including abdomen, breast, nervous system, cardiac and vascular sonography. The ARRT also offers credentials in breast and vascular sonography, and Cardiovascular Credentialing International issues credentials for cardiac sonographers.
The BLS suggests that becoming certified in multiple specialties may enhance job prospects even more for ultrasound technicians. Certified techs must meet certain training criteria and often attend ultrasound technician schools before applying for a credential, so they can seek a higher ultrasound technician salary than their peers with less training.
